Owls Cross Country Opens 2026 Season at Freed-Hardeman 5K

The William Woods University cross country team began its 2026-27 season Saturday at Freed-Hardeman University’s ‘Freed Speed’ five-kilometer race in Henderson, Tennessee.

The Owls women’s team finished fifth, with senior Hannah Owens leading the way. Owens completed the 5K in 22 minutes, 10.3 seconds, finishing 14th among 38 runners. It marked her 19th consecutive meet as the team’s top finisher, dating back over three years, according to the school.

Freshman Rachel Lochridge was the second-fastest for the women, placing 29th with a time of 27:23.8. Other team members included Cassidy Talley (33rd, 32:06.9), Ketu’rah Johynson (34th, 32:07.6) and Alaina Mathis (35th, 33:37.4).

In the men’s race, junior Noel Kellum and freshman Christian Chipilipili finished close together in 34th and 35th, respectively. Kellum crossed the finish line in 20:35.6, just ahead of Chipilipili’s time of 20:35.8. Three additional freshmen rounded out the top finishers for the men: Welton Davidson (45th, 23:22.8), I’Monn Hill (47th, 24:36.8), and Trevor Davis (48th, 26:58.9).

The team’s next meet has not been announced, but Saturday’s performance marked a solid start to the season for the Owls, according to school officials.

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